Motor vehicle antenna



Feb, 25, 1941. c. R. PATON MOTOR VEHICLE ANTENNA Filed Nov. 23, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 25, 1941. c. R. PATON MOTOR VEHICLE ANTENNA Filed Nov. 25, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb.25,1941. C R PATOLN 22,33,222

MOTOR VEHICLE ANTENNA Filed Nov. 23, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 02 If E [OI 4 Sheets-Shet 4 Filed Nov. 23, 1936 Fill II Patented Feb. 25, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MOTOR VEHICLE ANTENNA Clyde 8. Paton, Birmingham, Mich, asslgnor to Packard Motor Car Company, Detroit, Mich a corporation of Michigan Application November 23, 1936, Serial No. 112,416'

10 Claims. (ol. 250-33) The present invention relates to radio apparaantenna according to the present invention, as tus for use in connection with motor vehicles, applied to a motor vehicle; and particularly to antenna for association with Figure 2 is a detail of the operating mechanism the top of a vehicle of the closed type.- of Figure 1; 5 With the advent of all steel vehicle tops, the Figure 3 is a section on line 3-4 of Figure 2; 5 location of radio antenna has become a serious Figure 4 is a vertical section through the top problem, since the antenna cannot be built into f the windshield column of Figure 1; the top structure, or located therebeneath, be- Figure 5 is a vertical section through a modicause of the shielding effect of the all steel top. fled form of antenna and operating mechanism; Antennas have been placed below the running Figure 6 is a vertical section through another boards and at other points beneath the vehicle, form of operating mechanism, asapplied to a but it has been found that the location of the anvehicle; tenna close to the ground is disadvantageous, in Figure 7 is a detail of the upper end of the that the antenna collects static electricity genmechanism of Figure 6;

erated in the tires, resulting in noisy reception Figure 8 isa diagrammatic view of "the operat- 15 and for other reasons. ing mechanism for the antenna of Figure 6;

Other attempts have been made, such as em- Figure 9 is a vertical section through a further ploying an insulated rear compartment door, or form of antenna and operating mechanism; an insulated windshield column, as an antenna, Figure 10 is a horizontal section through the but it has been found that the most satisfactory mechanism of Figure 9, showing a slightly differ- 20 disposition of the antenna is to locate it as far ent form of antenna; as possible irom the ground and from the vehicle Figure 11 is a plan view of a modified form of body. antenna adapted for association with the mech- Thewhip type of antenna, comprising a short .anism of Figures 9 and 10; rod or strip of metal supported at one end, gives Figure 12 is a side elevation of the antenna 25 satisfactory results, but is unsightly and is also of Figure 11; :subject to damage when the vehicle is driven Figure 13 is a detail showing a portion of under low'overhead structures. the mechanism of Figures 9 and 10-;

The present invention has for an object the Figure 14 is a side elevation of another .torm provision ,of =an antenna in association with the of antenna and operating mechanism; 30 top of a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce Figure 15 is a front elevation of the device of its unsightliness and minimize the danger of in- Figure 14; jury to *the antenna. A further object is the Figure 16 is a vertical section through the provisioniof a whip type antenna in combination operating mechanism of Figure 14; with means for elevating it into a position above Figure 17 is an enlarged fragmentary plan, 38

the vehicle top, for optimum reception, and lowpartly in section, of the device of Figure 15;

eringit to an inconspicuous position when not in A Figures 18 and 19 are a side elevation and a 115%,) perspective, respectively, of another form of an- A further object is the provision of antenna tenna; and

means adapted to cause a minimum of wind re- Figures 20 and 21 are, respectively, a side ele- 40 sistance while the vehicle is in motion. Another vation and a perspective of astill further form object is the provision of an antenna associated of antenna.

with the .top of a vehicle, and means operable In order to facilitate an understanding of the sfromrwithin the vehicle for raising and lowering invention, reference is made to the embodiment the antenna. A still further object is the pro-- thereof shown in the accompanying drawings and 45 :vision of automatic means, responsive to the adetailed descriptive languageis employed. It will radio receive control switch, for raising and lownevertheless be understood that no limitationof ''ering the antenna. Another obiect is the prothe invention is thereby intended and that varivision of means operable by engine vacuum to -0us changes and-alterations are contemplated raise and lower the antenna. ig nsuch as would ordinarily occur to one skilled in 50 Other and further objects? features and aathe art to which the invention relates.

. wantages will appear from the description which .--Referringto the drawings, and particularly to io-llows, together with the accompanying draw: Figure .1, the numeral ill designates, generally, ings, in which: wet-portion of a motor vehicle comprising a cowl Figure 1 is a side elevation of a retractible "ll, dash l2, toe board il'ins'trinnent board it, 55

central windshield column i5 and top member i8. With the exception of the windshield column i5, these various members are conventional in form and organization. A radio receiver I1 is secured behind the dash and beneath the instrument board in the usual manner.

The windshield column I! extends upwardly from the cowl to the top in the usual manner, but is hollow, and preferably of substantially cylindrical crosssection, so as to form an elongated cylindrical chamber open at top and bottom. A tubular liner 8 of insulating material, is disposed within the windshield column l5, and a similar tube 9 of insulating material is disposed below the windshield column l5 and extends downwardly through the toe board I3, terminating approximately at the level of the vehicle frame 28. The tube I9 is protected by a metallic sheath 2|, which is grounded to the frame as at 22. A bracket 28 is secured to but insulated from the underside of the cowl H in any suitable manner, and serves to support the tube i9 and the antenna operating mechanism to be described. An antenna 24, of any suitable metal and of a length approximating the total distance from the bottom of tube i9 to the top of the vehicle, is slidably mounted within the tubes l8 and i9, the upper end of the windshield column I 5 and tube l8 being closed by a gland 25 to prevent the entrance of moisture. The lower end of the antenna 24 is provided witha stop member 28. A collar 21, of conducting material, is supported upon the lowerend of the bracket 23 by means of a clamp 28, likewise of conducting material. The collar 21 embraces the antenna 24 with a sliding fit, serving to maintain the latter in alignment and cooperating with the stop member 26 to prevent withdrawal of the antenna from the tube IS. The collar also acts as a conducting means for the antenna currents, between the antenna and a conductor 29 which is secured at one end to the bracket 23 and at its other end to the antenna contact of the receiver H.

The antenna may be raised and lowered by means of a roller 80, carried by a shaft 8| journalled in the bracket 23 and instrument board H, but insulated from the latter, a crank 32 being secured on the rearward end of the shaft 3| for rotating roller 30. The latter is preferably faced with rubber to insure adequate frictional engagement between the antenna and roller. The antenna is urged into engagement with the roller 90 by a spring-loaded roller 33, supported from the bracket 23, the roller 83 and associated members serving as a second path for antenna currents between the antenna and the conductor 29,

It is believed that the mode of operation of the device will be readily apparent from the foregoing description. When it is desired to use the radio receiver, the antenna may be elevated by turning the crank 32 in the proper direction. When the radio receiver is not in use, or when a low overhead structure endangers the antenna, the latter may be lowered by a reverse movement of the crank.

In the form illustrated in Figure 5, the antenna 48 is in the form of a flat strip, and the windshield column and insulating liner are modifled accordingly. In this case lower tubev l9 and associated elements are omitted, and the antenna 40 is adapted to be retracted by coiling it upon a roller 4|, rotatably mounted upon a shaft 42 supported in a casing 43. The lower end of the antenna 40 is secured in a slot 44 in the periphery of the roller 4 and the antenna is provided with spaced apertures 45 for engagement with a sprocket wheel 46. The latter is rotatably mounted on a shaft 41, carried by the casing 43, and is adapted to be rotated by'a gear wheel 48 mounted upon the inner end of a shaft 49 iournalled in an integral extension 50 of the casing 43. A crank 5| is secured upon the rearward end of shaft 49, and it is obvious that the antenna 40 may be coiled or uncoiled to lower or raise it, by an appropriate movement of the crank 6|. The casing 43 and associated mechanism may be supported from the instrument board in any suitable manner, and should be insulated from all metal parts of the vehicle. A conductor, not shown, connects the casing 63 and the antenna contact of the radio receiver.

In the device illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 8, the antenna 68, which may be of cylindrical cross-section as in the case of the antenna 26 of Figures 1-4 is adapted to be automatically raised when the radio receiver control switch is moved for the purpose of energizing the radio. In this case, the antenna 60 is slidably disposed in an elongated cylinder 6|, which is supported by insulating mountings 62, 63 and 64 carried by the top 65, cowl 66 and toe board 61, respectively. The lower end of the antenna 60 is provided with a disc 68 constituting a piston head, and the respective ends of the cylinder 6| are connected by conduits 69, with the respective ends of a valve ll (Figure 8). The conduits 69, 10 are provided with insulating sections ll, 12, respectively.

The valve 1| comprises a cylinder 13 closed at its respective ends by heads i4 and 15, which are provided with air vents 16 and H, respectively. A shaft 18 is slidably mounted in bearings formed in the heads 14 and i5, and is provided with spaced annular flanges i9 and 88 which are faced with leather or other suitable material so as to make air-tight engagement with the wall of cylinder 13, forming an air-tight chamber therein. A port disposed intermediate the ends of the valve H is connected by a conduit 8| with the intake manifold 82 of the vehicle engine, thus subjecting the valve to the engine vacuum. It will be obvious that when the shaft 18 is in the position illustrated, the lower end of cylinder 6| is subjected to the engine vacuum and its upper end is vented to the atmosphere through the conduit 10 and vent 18. The disc 68 will therefore be forced toward the lower end of cylinder 8|, retracting the antenna 80. When the shaft I8 is moved to the left, so as to place conduits I0 and 8| in communication, the upper end of cylinder BI is subjected to the engine vacuum, the lower end being open to the atmosphere through conduit 68 and vent i1, and the antenna 89 will be elevated.

Movement of the shaft 18 is controlled from the radio control switch 83. It will be noted that the projecting ends of the shaft 18 are surrounded by coils, thus forming solenoids 84 and 85. The former is adapted to be connected by a conductor" with a contact member 81 associated with the switch 83, and to be grounded on the frame through a contact member 88 and 7 switch 83, and is adapted to be connected to ground through a conductor 94, contact member 95, and switch arm 89.

The switch arm 96 of switch 83 is connected with a suitable source of electric energy, for example, a battery 91, which is also grounded on the frame. With the parts in the positions illustrated, if the switch arm 95 of switch 83 is placed in contact with the contact member 81, the solenoid 84 will be energized, moving shaft I8 to the left, thus placing the conduits I and 8I in communication and elevating the antenna 60. At the same time, the switch arm 89 will be moved to the left by the link 9I, being snapped over to its left position, as it arrives at its central position, by reason of the tension of spring 90. As soon as switch arm 89 leaves the contact member 88, the solenoid 84 is de-energized, thus retracted, will remain so.

avoiding waste of electric energy. Now, if the switch arm 96 is placed in contact with contact member 93, the solenoid 85 will be energized and valve shaft I8 will be moved to the right,'placing the parts again in the position illustrated, and breaking the circuit through the solenoid 85.

The switch 83 comprises, in addition to the parts previously described, volume-control resistances 98 and 99, each of which is connected. to the radio receiver N10, and each of which is adapted to be connected in circuit with the bat-- tery 91 by contact with the switch arm 98. The resistance 98 is of higher value than resistance 99 and may be said to comprise the "city side of the volume control switch. 'I'he resistance 99 of lower value may be called the country side of the volume control. Either resistance may, of course. be varied by movement of the switch arm 98. ihe terms city and country are used solely for the purpose of designating conditions of reception requiring less or more power input respectively, and, normally, correspondingly decreased or increased antenna.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the receiver is placed in operation by moving the switch arm to the city'side, the antenna 60, if extended, will be retracted, or if already If the switch arm is moved to thecountry side, the powerinput to the receiver is increased and the antenna elevated, thereby improving reception. Obviously, the power input need not correspond to the antenna position, and if desired the resistances 98 and 99 may be of equal value, or any other suitable arrangement may be adopted. When the antenna is elevated, and it is desired to discontinue operation of the radio receiver, the an-- tenna may be retracted by moving the switch arm 98 momentarily to the city side before placing it in its central position.

Another form of antenna and operating mechanism is illustrated in Figures 9-13. In this case the antenna comprises a system of one or more bars mounted on a shaft IOI journalled in a casing I02. The casing is preferably of airfoil design and is secured directly to the top I03 of the vehicle, the latter being apertured to accommodate the downwardly projecting parts of the mechanism. In the form illustrated in Figure 9, the antenna I0! consists of a single wire, rod, while in Figures 1012. two other forms are illustrated, the antenna of Figures 11 and 12 being particularly adapted and designed to diminish wind resistance. In the device of Figure 9, the forward end of the antenna is bent transversely to form its own shaft, while in the form illustrated in Figure 10, the antenna comprises a series of bars I04 secured on a shaft I05 and separated by spacers I01. One of the bars I00 may be provided with a rubber bumper I05 to prevent the grounding of the antenna upon the top of the vehicle.

The shaft I05 is bonded to a-sleeve I08 of soft rubber, which is in turn bonded to an outer sleeve I09, iournalled in casing I02. At the opposite side of the casing, the shaft I05 is J'ournalled in a rubber bushing IIO. A portion ofthe periphery of the sleeve I09 is serrated, as at III (Figure 13), for engagement with a correspondingly shaped aperture in the upper end of the operating lever H2. The lever is thus mounted on the sleeve and serves to elevate and depress the antenna IOI in accordance with its movements. Friction discs H3 and H4 are mounted on sleeve I09 on either side of the lever H2, and a spring washer H5 is disposed between the friction disc H3 and the wallpf the casing I02, the discs -I I3, Ill and washer II5 cooperating to retain the lever I I2 in any position in which it is placed.

A conductor H6 (Figure 13) for connecting the antenna and receiver is connected to the shaft I05 by means of a spring clip III, which engages in a groove H8 formed in the shaft I05.

If desired, a sensitivity switch H9 (Figure 9) may be associated with the casing I02 in such a way as to be operated by movement of the lever I I2 into and out of itsuppermost position, thus providing for adjusting the sensitivity of the receiver in accordance with the position of the antenna.

In the device illustrated in Figures 14-17 the antenna comprises two wire rods I seated in discs I23, mounted on a shaft I2I, which is journalled in a casing I22. The discs I23 are insulated f om shaft I2! by rubber bushings I24, and

are connected to the radio receiver by conductors I25. The shaft I2I is adapted to be rotated, to

elevate and depress the antenna, by means of a crank I26, secured to a shaft I21, journalled in the casing I22. A worm I28 secured on the shaft I21 engages a worm gear I29 on shaft HI, and it is apparent that the antenna may be elevated or depressedby rotating the crank I28 in the proper direction. Preferably the rearward ends of rods I20 are provided with soft rubber knobs I30, to prevent the rods from grounding on the vehicle top.

Figures 12-21 show two exemplary forms of antenna designedto reduce wind resistance while providing relatively large surfaces for the interception of radio energy. These forms of antenna are illustrated as rigidly attached to the vehicle top, although it is obvious that similar forms might be mounted for relative movement therewith.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In radio apparatus for motor vehicles having a top and a windshield, .supporting means for said windshield including a hollow column, an antenna retractable within said column and adapted to be raised above said top, and means for raising and lowering said antenna.

2. An antenna system including a high frequency transmission line having at least one tubular conductor, an antenna element projecting from said tubular conductor, said element being sufficiently rigid to be self supporting and free at its outer end and arranged to slidefin said conductor in a fluid tight manner and means for applying fluid pressure to said tubular conductor whereby the efiective length of said antenna element may be adjusted to selected values.

3. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a tubular housing for mounting on a vehicle body, of an antenna element projecting from said housing, said element being suiiiciently rigid to be self-supporting and free at its outer end, and being arranged to slide in said housing in a fluid tight manner, and means for applying fluid pressure to said tubular housing to extend said antenna element from or withdraw said antenna element into said housing.

4. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a tubular housing for mounting on a vehicle body, of an antenna element projecting from said housing, said element being sufliciently rigid to be self-supporting and free at its outer end, and being arranged to slide in said housing in a fluid tight manner, means for applying fluid pressure to said tubular housing to extend said antenna element from or withdraw said antenna element into said housing, and means mounting said housing on the vehicle cowl in such a position that the major portion or said housing lies within the vehicle body while the major portion of said antenna element may be projected beyond said cowl and may extend to a point above the vehicle top.

5. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of an antenna element carried by said support, said element being sufliciently rigid to be self-supporting and free at its outer end, and being arranged for lengthwise sliding movement in said support, means mounting said support on the vehicle cowl in such a position that said antenna element may be displaced in said support from an extended position in which it reaches above the vehicle top to a withdrawn position in which it lies largely within the vehicle body, and operating means within the vehicle body for so displacing said antenna element with respect to its support.

6. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of an antenna element carried by said support, said element being sufliciently rigidto be self-supporting and free at its outer end, means mounting said support on the vehicle cowl in such a position that said antenna element may be displaced in said support from an extended position in which it reaches above the vehicle top to a withdrawn position in which it lies largely within the vehicle body, and operating means within the vehicle body for so displacing said antenna element with respect to its support.

7. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with an elongated, generally upright antenna element extending from the interior to the exterior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an insulating tubular member surrounding said element adjacent the point of emergence thereof, an insulating tubular member surrounding a lower portion of said element, said members supporting said element for extension irom and retraction into the passenger compartment and being disposed in spaced relation to expose a section of said element therebetween for manipulation.

8. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with an elongated, generally upright antenna element extending from the interior to the exterior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, an insulating tubular member surrounding said element adjacent the point of emergence thereof, an insulating tubular member surrounding a lower portion of said element, said members supporting said element for extension from and retraction into the passenger compartment and being disposed in spaced relation to expose a section of said element therebetween for manipulation, and operating means engaging the exposed section of said element, said operating means comprising a friction roller, and means for maintaining said antenna in frictional engagement with said roller.

9. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of an antenna element carried by said support, said element being sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting and free at its outer end, means mounting said support on the vehicle body in such a position that said antenna element may be displaced in said support from an extended position in which it reaches above the vehicle top to a withdrawn position in which it lies largely within the vehicle body, and operating means within the vehicle body for so displacing said antenna element with respect to its support, said last named means comprising a crank operated roller and means for maintaining said antenna element in frictional engagement with said roller.

10. In an antenna system for motor vehicles, the combination with a support, of an antenna element carried by said support, said element being sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting and free at its outer end, but being sufliciently flexible to permit coiling thereof, means mounting said support on the vehicle body in such a position that said antenna element may be displaced in said support from an extended position in which it reaches above the vehicle top to a withdrawn position in which it lies largely within the vehicle body, said support comprising a casing adapted to receive a portion 01' said element, and operating means for coiling said portion of said element within said casing to eflect withdrawal of said element. 7

CLYDE R. PA'I'ON. 

